Explore the rarely seen Buddhist spectacle of Datong, the Hanging Monastery of Hengshan and the UNESCO World Heritage City of Pingyao. Depart from Beijing by overnight train to Datong. This scruffy coal mining town hides a rare treasure. Giant carved Buddhas that can be seen only by crawling inside tiny openings to reveal the gigantic multi-story sculptures - an exceptional sight. Located 65 km south of Datong, the Hanging Monastery is perched more than 50 metres above the ground on the western cliff of Jinxia gorge at the foot of Hengshan. Originally built in the late 400's and lovingly renovated in the Ming and Qing dynasties, this complex is both a cultural and architectural wonder. Continue to Pingyao where you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage old town with its vibrant markets; a favorite of travelers in the know. Includes internal train, deluxe lunches per itinerary, private vehicle transfers, expert English-speaking guides, activities and entrance fees.

Day 1
Beijing
Enjoy a transfer to/from train station with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide. Kensington Tours donates a portion of our proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities. Overnight train in soft sleeper compartment. Four berths, may require sharing with other passengers.
Beijing is China's foremost city and capital for twenty four successive emperors. Some of the major sights include: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall and Summer Palace. The complete range of chinese cuisine can be found in the capital, and evening entertainment is superb.

Day 2
Datong - Pingyao
Datong tour focuses on the premiere attraction of the region which is the Yungang Grottoes (Cloud Ridge Caves). Tucked within millenia old caves set under the remains of a Qing dynasty fortress lie over 50,00 Buddhist statues spread over a lowingkilometre of caves. Fol anin-depth exploration of this global treasure tour Datong's other attractions such as the Wooden pagoda, an almost 100 metre 11th century architectural work that is among the oldest wooden structures in the world
Full Day private car transfer between Pingyao and Datong. Enroute enjoy a deluxe lunch and visit the Hanging Temple/Monastery. Located 65 km south of Datong, the Hanging Monastery is percehed more than 50 metres above the ground on the western cliff of Jinxia gorge at the foot of Hengshan. Originally built in the late 400's and loving renovated in the Ming and Qing dynaasties this complex is both a cultural and architectural wonder. Deluxe Lunch included.
Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Yunjincheng is located on the famous Ming and Qing street in Pingyao. Ideally located right in the middle of the action on the main street, it is made up of eighteen elegant and unique courtyards with over 80 decorated and equipped luxurious suites and standard apartments. The hotel is a gorgeous, authentic and traditional Chinese courtyard hotel with lots of atmosphere from the lanterns to the rosewood bedroom that will transport you to another time. The hotel also has its own restaurant and bar. Among the unsung wonders of China's history-soaked heritage are the 1,500-year-old Buddhist grottoes of Datong ---an eight-hour train journey from Beijing---in Shanxi Province. In a valley at Yungang, some 10 miles west of Datong and easily reached by taxi or public bus, more than 50 recesses have been dug into the hills and filled with Buddhist statues of various sizes and shapes, 51,000 altogether. From the 56-foot Seated Buddha to tiny figures just a few centimeters tall, every wall and archway is crammed with carvings, including serial-type representations of scenes from Buddhist mythology and the lives of famous monks.

Day 3
Pingyao
The ancient commerce town of Pingyao is said to be one of the best preserved traditional Chinese cities centred within perhaps the only completely intact (6km long) Ming dynasty wall in all of China. This Full day private guided tour of Pingyao Old Town includes Shuanglin Temple, family Wang's Courtyard, museums, learning about local handicrafts and a Deluxe Lunch. Enjoy lunch (included in tour price). Enjoy dinner at leisure (not included in tour price). Overnight at Yun Jincheng Hotel. Pingyao was not endowed with charming natural scenery but with a group of accomplished businessmen. The Jin Businessmen were one of the two famous Chinese business groups during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. For a hundred years, Pingyao was home to almost all of the large exchange shops in China. To a certain degree, Pingyao was to China during the eighteenth century what Wall Street is to the US, which left us with a magnificent old city and a series of grand residences. Although no longer economically prosperous, Pingyao was included in the United Nations World Cultural Heritage in 1997. From the top of the grand City Wall, you have a bird's-eye view of the Old City, a complete city built almost a thousand years ago. In the Ancient Ming and Qing Street, you can experience the town's former glory while exploring the rows of residences and shops all constructed in the original architectural style.

Day 4
Pingyao
Airport transfer with private vehicle, driver, and English-speaking guide, en route visit JinCi & Family Qiao's Courtyard.
Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.